What are PSLs, and could they factor into Broncos’ plans for Burnham Yard stadium?

Irwin Kishner, co-chair of Herrick's Sports Law Group and co-chair of Herrick's Corporate Department, was quoted in The Denver Post in an article discussing the sale of personal seat licenses (PSLs) as a method of stadium funding and revenue generation.

The article notes that when the Broncos ownership group announced its preferred site for a new stadium, they also made it clear that the mixed-use development would be privately financed. The article discusses the potential for the sale of PSLs  - a one-time fee paid by season-ticket holders for the right to buy specific seats - to help cover stadium costs. "Once secured, a PSL grants ownership rights to a specific seat or set of seats in a stadium. The mechanism also gives the owner the ability to sell seats off or gift them."

“If it’s done right and there’s enough interest in the tickets and the team, it’s like an asset,” said Irwin.

The article states that PSLs are largely used to fund stadium costs. However, "[i]f a franchise keeps a PSL program going after a stadium’s paid off, it can be an additional source of revenue. But they’re primarily put 'towards construction,'" said Irwin.

“Personal seat licenses are merely a financing mechanism,” Irwin said. “All it means is, depending on where you’re sitting in the building, if you want the best seats, you’ve got to buy a license that enables you to buy the seats.”

Read the full article in The Denver Post here. Access may require a subscription.